Omani Artists at Venice Biennale: 5 Creatives To Look Out For
With a thriving, historic art scene Oman will be making its second appearance at the esteemed festival
The Sultanate of Oman will be taking part in the prestigious Venice Biennale 2024. The renowned arts and cultural festival will this year be celebrating its 60th edition, exploring a curatorial theme of Foreigners Everywhere.
The exhibition will feature 86 National Participations from across the globe, with Oman being represented with a national pavilion featuring five celebrated artists from the country.
The artists will showcase their works as part of a group exhibition titled, Malath – Haven, curated by Alia Al Farsi, the first Omani artist to have participated in the Venice Biennale in 2017.
According to Alia, the artists who have been selected to showcase this year have revitalised the contemporary art scene in Oman, and made commendable contributions to their communities.
“Their impact extends beyond their artistic endeavours, serving as inspiration for new generations of artists,” she said in a statement.
Below, get to know the five Omani artists representing the country at the 2024 Venice Biennale…
Sarah Alaulaqi
Founder of the Cure8 Gallery in Muscat, Sarah Alaulaqi is known for her use of multi-dimensional materials and texturally-rich creations. The emerging Omani artist views art as a form of escapism and draws inspiration from her mother, who’s a designer. Her vivid and expressive works are juxtaposed by the sensitive and ethereal way it sends a message to the viewer.
Ali AlJabri
Known for his large-scale sculptures and eye-catching ceramic works, Ali AlJabri fashions his ideas out of marble and wood. A cerebral creative, the Omani sculptor frequently draws on language, traditions and knowledge that have been passed down through generations. His sculptural works are an embodiment of these influences, and reflect the importance of language as a carrier of knowledge.
Adham Al Farsi
Adham Al Farsi’s interactive and multi-disciplinary installations continue to have a significant impact on Oman’s thriving cultural scene. A member of the Oman Switzerland Friendship Association (OSFA) and Youth Art Studio since 1997, the artist is the recipient of numerous awards, and views his works as “random experiments”.
Essa Al Mufarji
Visual artist and sculptor, Essa Al Mufarji, conveys his considered artistic messages through his preferred mediums of iron, clay, fiberglass, plastic, and mirrors. His works are often extremely detailed, including snippets of Arabic calligraphy, while juxtaposed with large, colourful, forms within the sculpture. He often explores experimental concepts, putting a modern spin on traditional methods.
Alia Farsi
Curator of the exhibition, Alia Farsi, will also be displaying her work at the biennale. The celebrated Omani artist will display a selection of her acclaimed paintings, which take inspiration from her home town of Muttrah, Oman, as well as the spiritual elements of Sufism. Growing up in the oldest part of the country, Alia says the sights and smells of Muttrah – such as the vibrant colours of the spices, lively music and bustling gold souk – influence her work, which have been displayed across the UAE, Europe, and Asia over the last 20 years.
Lead image credit: @medina_diaries/@alia_farsi/Instagram.com